RE: Why it's easier today for a thief to guess your nine digits
Read something recently which stated that SSN's are reissued after the deceased has been gone to his reward over 90 days. In that case, there would be no shortage of SSN's.
Local scam-meisters allow illegal immigrants to use their SSN, have the illegal authorize sufficient withholding to cover all of their taxes, and draw huge Social Security or disability checks when they are of age or find a good disability attorney.